Beaches and Boating

SARASOTA BEACHES

The marquee attraction many use as their reason to come here is the beautiful and magnificent beaches of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key and Casey Key. Sarasota extends its lifestyle into the keys and no resident should hesitate to take advantage of that! Siesta Key has one of the most beautiful beaches that can ever be experienced in a lifetime. Siesta Beach on Siesta Key was voted #1 Beach in the United States by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr. Beach. Dr. Beach rates beaches based on fifty unique criterions, from sand consistency to wave size and water color. The sand quality of Siesta Beach alone is something to rave about; lying down in the quartz crystal sand is as wonderful as lying on a cloud. The beach is kid friendly and a non-smoking environment. The beach has plenty of locations to grill, soak in the sun, and nap under shady trees or pitch your own beach umbrella. Siesta Beach deserves all of the praise that Dr. Beach has given the area.

Siesta Key isn’t the only key in the area that is worth visiting. Longboat and Lido Key, which are connected by a single bridge, are perfect getaways. Lido Key has many public parks and areas for pleasure boats to drop anchor. Both Longboat and Lido Key also provide beautiful beaches and areas to watch gorgeous Florida sunsets. These keys provide winding nature trails and many outdoor activities for friends, families or individuals to enjoy. After spending time outdoors kayaking, parasailing, hiking or boating on Lido or Longboat Key, one can choose from hundreds of local restaurants and experience excellent cuisine offered in the keys.

All of the other keys provide great experiences, but perhaps Casey Key is the most unique and secluded. Casey Key is an 8-mile long island with roughly 400 residents, no massive hotels or condominiums, and only a single road that gives access to two public beaches. The island’s drive gives visitors a chance to view Florida beaches through a different scope without all the crowds found on most of the other keys. Casey Key is also well known for being a popular place to watch dolphins swim in the nearby waters. It is nice to know that a slice of paradise is never far away. One day, residents can enjoy the majestic oaks nearby, and the next they can feel the powdery sands of Siesta Beach. Don’t let an opportunity like this slip away.